Moscow International Peace Marathon

Where friends meet

Then the marathon flow curves around the foot of the 1950s-era skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya Naberezshnaya. Its finely articulated silhouette is seen from afar, and creates remarkable harmony with the ancient buildings, monuments and cathedrals. The first 10-mile loop greets us with the sounds of an inspiring bell concert, which crowns the end of the church service in the honor of Alexander Nevskiy, one of Russia’s most admired saints, in the majestic Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Beyond stands an impressive monument to Peter the Great, the creator of the Russian fleet, and then the Central Park and the turnaround point come into view.

As in the previous years, the 2004 marathon gathered people of all walks of life and ages. Everyone had his own goal: Some strived at improving their personal best, others aimed at winning in their age groups, and others carried the flag of their factory, club or country through the whole distance. Foreign athletes could win special awards for the 10 best foreign male and female runners, and also for the best three runners from each participating country.

Moscow is an open city known for its hospitality, and race director Boris Fadeev has created an appropriately welcoming atmosphere for the marathon participants.